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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Serving Bowls and Platters

Now that I have much of my studio unpacked I located some of my slump molds. I made these two bowls yesterday. I'd like to do a whole series of animals found in the Georgia mountains. So far I've seen a bear, possum, river otter, coyote, beaver, squirrel, and deer.

Both bowls are about twelve inches in diameter; the bear bowl isn't as deep as the blue daisy bowl.

The other day I decided to make a few platters. Here's my take on a speckled trout; he looks like he's smiling. This platter or serving dish is about 9 x 16 inches.

This platter with texture is about 12 inches square. I made a similar one years ago and liked the symbolic river detail so I decided to make another one. Now I'm remembering some other bowls and platters I made with symbolic rivers a few years ago; I'd like to explore those ideas again.

Here's a cherry tree platter, also about 12 inches square. I'm still working on the trunk. I think I'll order some porcelain sand to place under the platters when they're fired so they can move easily (shrink) on the kiln shelf. Up next a sneak peak at the granite we chose and I'll ask for your advice on what tile to choose for a back splash. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

12 comments:

Lovely to see do the virtual studio tour and to see lots of new work being produced! It will be nice to see the platters and bowls again when they are fired. It looks like the new house is working out really well for you.

Hi Peter, thanks, oh we're loving the summer here, we open all the windows at night and let the cool air in and close them during the day, saves on the electric bill. I am glad to get back to clay and have room to work.

Linda, we have slump molds at the studio and quite a lot of the people there use them. I haven't tried them yet as I've been too busy trying to get better at throwing on the wheel. But I may give them a try next semester. Love watching your studio and kitchen evolve!

Hi Barb, thanks, I get either metal or wood bowls with smooth insides and gentle sides at the thrift stores for next to nothing, they work great.

Hi Rian, thanks, I let the slab firm up a bit before I put it in the slump mold and I use a dry sponge to ease it into place so I don't leave any finger prints in the wet clay.

Hi Gigi, thanks, I was looking at Pinterest and was also thinking about fabric dying, I bet you would have an eye for that. I'll email you the link if I can find it again. The woman uses natural materials she gathers in the woods to dye fabrics.